For a more visual and in depth review; check out this YouTube video: /watch?v=3azAafFYFbk

There are plenty of people who are aware with the 1995 animated movie, but hardly the same with the original manga published in 1989. It’s a shame since it does build its own world better and have more fleshed out characters. Even if most of it is for laughs.

Story:
You see, the original Ghost in the Shell Manga is the most lighthearted and more comedic than what this series has produced so far. Well except of those Tachikoma shorts. However, this still treats the issues like cyber-terrorists with most respect. They just
present it, as it was a common thing, not a new thing like they did in the movie.

Instead of having one message of about the creation of a new entity made up of digital information, this manga also provides the message of child experiments, poverty and police brutality. As well to paying homage to the movie Blade Runner.

Art & Character:
If you expect the Major to act identical to the movie, then you might be surprised on how goofy she can be. Her type of expressions may look like it belongs to 80’s teen character, but she eventually shows her more mature side that we will come to know and love.

The rest of the cast seems to be more focused here than in the movie, where they were pushed aside. Even if we only focus on four out of all Section 9. Still, it’s something.

Enjoyment:
Most of the 11 chapters are episodic, with exception of the last ones which covers the incident of the puppet master. If you can’t decide between watching the movie or read the manga first, then you can watch the movie and then admire the manga afterwards.

The reason is that moments in the movie including the puppet master is underplayed in the original to an extent. Again, this manga shows a more mundane side than something as a warning from the future. I personally enjoyed some these moments. There is just something funny about Major and a cyborg engineer having a causal conversation about how they would experience death.

Overall:
Even if most chapters are episodic, the manga is only one volume. Short and sweet. So, if you ever consider reading, all that I can say is, that it’s worth your time and your mind.

It also predicted the dilemma between America and Syria. Just some fun trivia.

For a more visual and indepth review; check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=XRxfXn9vkJc

Story:
Ghost in the Shell was made by the legendary director Mamoru Oshii and it based on chapter 1,3,9 and 11 from the manga. It’s about hackers, brainwashing and the concept of blurring the line between human and machines. The future might be filled with these things, but a special unit called Section 9 will make sure that the future of Japan is secured.

Or was it Hong Kong based on the scenery?

Anyway. I’m going to tell you right from the bat, if you expect this to be mainly about action, then you
might be turned off. This is a thinking man’s action movie that brings up allot of philosophical questions.

You know, the one who would later on inspire the Matrix. It has many slow moments, but also treats its action with the energy it deserves.

Character:
Major Motoko Kusanagi, the main character in this movie and leader of section 9, is different than her other interpretations. I call her Major with Identity Crises because how serious and tuned down she is in comparison with her manga counterpart. Even if she is a human with full prophetic body, she sounds and stares like a robot which makes some scene uncontrollable, especially with the Kubrick stare.

Art & Enjoyment & Sound:
This movie has probably the best-looking anime for it’s year with a stellar soundtrack and includes many iconic moments such as; the opening scene, the fight with thermo-optic camouflage, those many fingers and the climactic battle with a walking tank. However, this movie builds heavily on the scary thought that a new entity can be created from the vast digital information, again like the Matrix.

Overall:
Overall, this anime is very mature and ask the audience what they think is a ghost. For example, there is a ton of nudity in this movie. However instead of acknowledge it as something sexual, it’s basically saying: yes I have a chest, what about it?

I might not be so keen to always pick this movie up, but if I ever want to point to an anime that proves the industry can produce an animated movie that has thought provoking messages. Then I’ll always point to this classic sci-fi movie.

It’s also scary how this movie about objects coming to life was released the same year as Toy Story.

For a more visual and indepth review; check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=mIldC5aPuSc

Story:
The story is not interesting and almost looks like less inspired version of other pocket monsters game anime in that genre. This may not be as disappointing if you came to this anime through the original game, which had a very flexible premise that could lead to many different designing principles. Seeing them play it safe and take the most standard can be rather insulting. Even by ignoring this, the anime does not represent the game well and gives out false impressions of some mechanics.

Art:
The design and art style is very similar
to the game, which can go from decent to great design. Thanks to the design and style, it does render 3D models better than other monster based show with CGI like Berserk. However, it does not go far than that and the animation only peaks in fights that does not last long.

Sound:
The audio department has only two aspects that remotely stands out: The voice actors and ending theme. The voice actors have done a decent job and try to make the character sound less inspired that they already are. The Ending theme is decent, but it’s every rock ending theme you heard. The cover of Queen’s We Will Rock You is not my favourite. Maybe it’s because I’m too fond of the original.

Characters:
The human cast is underwhelming. Those character that starts interesting lose their touch and those who did not becomes at least entertaining. The only one that I could think up that does not fit in either side is Minami. Minami is the equivalent of the 90s kid who kept shooting out catch phrases and pop culture references in any chance she got. Or in other word, a character that is likely to piss off old anime fans.
The monster cast is more interesting and they are probably the reason why you come back to this show.
The villains are mostly generic as they come. Nothing more to say about them.

Enjoyment:
When the focus was on the monster, it was entertaining. When it the focus was on the humans, only some supporting characters could hold entertainment to some degree. The humour was entertaining when it went meta on the first episodes, but it disappeared afterwards.

Overall:
Monster Strike is a decent anime series that plays as any adaption of a popular social digital game. If you don’t regard the script, execution of said premise, the references, boring soundtrack, the misguided direction, the false impression of the source material, the shallow protagonist and even more shallow antagonist, you find that this is decent enough for you who wants to watch a 10 minutes’ episode anime on YouTube. I mean the design and action was good, or pretty much when the series focused on the monsters.

For a more visual review; check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=BwGUdZFWzZw

Note:
If you do not know nor seen either of Devilman and Cyborg 009, then you should look up the source material since this crossover will only give you a short introduction.

Not to mention that this crossover is special as it both series are hardly owned by the same company or person. The few things they do share is their message of war and that their authors where buddies and some times assistans on different projects.

Story:
This, unlike the OVA, is more serious toned and has less fun with the characters. Storywise, this has a more direct
conflict between each side and is a much shorter than the OVA.

Art:
The art is decent. The most details goes to the background and it does look good. However some of the character look stiff and has many square shapes. It look like they where drawn natrualy. But that my opinion.

Character:
The character act as they should do, but there is hardly any interaction with each part which makes this crossover forgettable.

Enjoyment:
Mikki in general. There is not enough action for both parties. When they do fight, it's over too quickly.

Overall:
The crossover lacks stuff to make it worth while. It seems that the author is setting up for something big that is not presented in this manga, and I'm not talking about the OVA since they feel unrelated. This is a middle of the road manga. So if you have read either Cyborg 009 or Devilman, then this one might be so that you can get more manga entries on your list, since this is not obligatory to read. You are better off watching the OVA.

For a more visual and in-depth review, check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=5yRjCHjfidw

Short note:
If you do not know nor seen either of Devilman and Cyborg 009, then you should look up the source material since this crossover will only give you a short introduction.

Not to mention that this crossover is special as it both series are hardly owned by the same company or person. The few things they do share is their message of war and that their authors where buddies and some times assistans on different projects.

Story:
This story is straight forward, as both series tend to be. The cyborg team notice demons where spotted
in Japan. They go investigate. Devilman does he usual brutal hunt for said demons. Cyborgs discover a plot to merge demons with cyborgs and they stumble across Devilman. They fight, retreat and both goes separately to the villains and team up at the last act. It feels like it's more focused on the Cyborg and they give them more of a chance. However, it's understandable since they not only cover most of the cast, but they drive the plot forward.

One thing I do give it credit for is that they do fight seriously against each other. This is not like other crossover with 'vs' in the title just so that they can have a friendly sparing. Furthermore, unlike other crossover, we have tie but with only a hair breeze.

The side plot is welcomed as this is 3 OVA episodes.

Art:
The Design for both cyborgs and demons are on point of each respected series. Cyborg team does look like the 2000 but with some redesigns. Devilman himself is the best of them all as he is now bigger and more intimidating than before. His design is a mix between the 70's and late 80's Devilman. The only problem is the humans where both Akira and Ryou looks too shounen, and the final villain or boss which is rather dull.

Sound:
Anything beside the opening and ending is not that noticeable. Some tracks do sound the same, but they are good samples for reviews.

The opening and the ending is a duality with the opening have the energetic of Cyborg 009 while ending is more rock/Devilman.

The new voice actors for each character in Japanese are fine, with the exception of 006 who originally voiced Ryou in the previous Devilman OVAs.

The dub is also okay, although expect names to be pronounced differently and Devilman to sound like a bear.

Character:
By far this is the best part of the crossover. Most character act as they did in the source material, probably even better. Unlike the rest of the Cyborg movies, where they sit on the bench most of the time, they act as a team even with their leader not around.

Devilman character are entertaining as always and do a good job with the time they are on screen.

Enjoyment:
You will be satisfied if you are either on team cyborg or on team Devilman. With Devilmans brutality, he will make guts and blood rain from an open fresh wound.

Cyborg team spirit, they will act with each other and do funny lines while they are at it.

This is not supposed to be deep or anything, just plain fun with a message of holding on to your humanity.

Overall:
This crossover was great, but mostly bittersweet when you consider the possibilities for expanding the series for newer generation. However, if this crossover does help other projects, crossovers or even Devilman related, then this crossover might see more important than what it is right now. But I doubt it since Production I.G are already making another cyborg movie and no further news after one year of its release.

Go watch it if you want to see cyborgs fighting demons, OR SEE DEVILMAN WRECK SOME SHIT!

See the video version of this review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQAKC7b10f4

Short note: If you want to get started, don’t watch this anime. Read the manga or watch the movies/90’s Berserk beforehand and then consider if you want see this or not.

Story: This anime could had gotten a 7 or 8, if it were not for episode 1 and 3. The reason is that this anime choose to pick the forth arc as start while easily breeze through the two remaining arcs before that wasn’t the Golden Age. Story wise, both Black-swordsman and Lost Child Arc doesn’t evolve the main plot and serves as explaining the world,
however it does introduce us to our characters and develop them throughout the harsh world. Forcing down two arcs of character and friend development between Puck and Guts in just 2-3 episodes is quite risky and could easily backfire. Even if they did get the original author to write the plot for episode 3, it still does not have the same magic as it was written in those two arcs.

Other than that, this series was faithful of adapting the arc they focused on.

Art: One of Berserk biggest strength is the presentation. The violent, sexual and surrealistic theme of the series goes well to the realistic design with details Berserk had on it's foreground, character and background. The amount of details animator had to match from the source material is one of the hardest tasks of adapting Berserk to video format.

This is where the show fails. They have cut corners and it shows.
What we have here is CG that tries to mix with 2D but can't since they lack details, choppy 2D animations, low framerate and a lot of duplications of models. However the saving grace from what makes this have any lower score are the stills, the background and postcard memories.

Sound: With everything sound as it should be, the only sound effect that sticks out is when Guts swings his sword. As some may have commented, it sounds like a frying pan and should not be welcomed. I however takes this as a guilty pleasure which adds to the overall enjoyment of this show.
The soundtrack does not impress me. With exception of OP, ED and Hai Yo, there's no other music that ever left an impact or was noticeable.
The sound effect is fine but nothing noticeable, with exception of the CLANG effect.

No real problem with the voice actors however.

Characters: As I mentioned earlier in Story, some character development on the main character is lost. Although the characters didn't suffer as much as the story and acted as close to the source material. With Mozgus bashing people with his book, to Farnese pyro fetish to Luca being the best women she could be.

Enjoyment: I wasn't looking forward to each episode, but I also was. I was looking forward to see if there was any improvements, but I knew it was too late. Simple as that.

For a more visual version of this review, check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=IzDTFHXAgmE

In mid-80’s while the TV series was airing, Toei animation made their first special involving with the Jusitce Choujin called; Kinnikuman: Showdown! The Seven Justice Supermen vs. The Space Samurais. It’s basically Super Wrestlers in Space!

If you ever experience an ordinary Kinnikuman episode, then you should get very familiar with this one.

This special isn’t that special, it’s basically the length of three Kinnikuman shorts. The animation, the jokes and the music is like any other second season standards. There is one reference to Space Battleship Yamato, which is called Battleship Tomato. GET
IT?!

The opening theme is kind of clever. They took out the parts of that hurts Kinnikumans ego, mirroring Beansman expectation of Kinnikuman which will later let him down.

The villain in a disappointment. A SPACE SAMURAI SHOULD NEVER BE A DISAPPOINTMENT! Why? Because most important Villain in Kinnikuman will cripple you! There’s one that can cripple your body, one that could cripple your spirit and worst, one that could cripple YOUR MANLY FRIENDSHIP! OH SNAP!

There’s nothing much to say than this is just a standard episode but longer.

If this is your introduction to Kinnikuman, that fine. But I would recommend reading the manga or watch the anime. The series is outrages, but it has its charm. So check out if you want to see suplexes in Space.

For a more visual version of this review, check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=TmK2iWHdXWo

For those who are not familiar, DD Hokuto No Ken was a manga that parodied the famous manly series called Hokuto No Ken or Fist of the North Star. Instead of having our character drawn manly and realistically, we have these small chibis to represent and contrast from what we know and love. And Instead of a post apocalypse, we had the modern world.

Even with drastic change of location a scenarios, both the manga and the two anime that came out was not that bad. They had funny moments and
did bring something new to the table for the Hokuto community, even if most of those where episodes formulas and plenty of in-jokes. But apparently, the 2013 anime was doing so well that it was blessed with another season.

Since you know, shows like Nichjiou doesn't deserve that kind of blessing unlike DD Hokuto No Ken. But I digress.

So what's the set up? Well the show is divided in two portions. DD Hokuto No Ken 2 and Strawberry flavour. DD 2 cover most of the episode and is divided into two sub parts that are around 9 minutes long and Strawberry just in 2 minutes. So basically DD 2 is the main presentation while Strawberry is the bonus. But let me tell you, the bonus is more redeemable than the 18 minute long Chibi fest.

In 200X, there was no nuclear war and the apocalypse never happened, which renders our hero Kenshiro, voiced by Kamina, useless. But he then find himself in the Private End of the Century Academy through Ryuuken, voiced by original Kenshiro. With his brothers, Raoh and Toki, they all fight to gain a pass so that they can officially be students and impress Yuria, the nurse.

Oh geesh, this does not sound familiar to the first one. Except that it’s now a school instead of a store and being a student instead of an employee.

Since this is a sequel, it’s expected that they throw in the same formula as before. However what I didn't expect of it was that it would be worse.
The creators really should had taken notes from other chibi types parody, cause I feel that this is more a parody of a parody than something we could be familiar with. It feels like it distant itself too far from the original, as its already well known and don't need any introduction to newer audience. You know, as it where like Dragon Ball. But even Dragon Ball SD knew that it needed to stay close to the original for the parody to work. I'm not saying that changing the scenario is bad, but it's alienates the people who likes the series.

But then we have Starwberry Flavoured.

This part, from the fan-made doujin with the same name, is about Souther. The holy emperor who inserting himself into other parts of the series where he doesn't belong and cause others and himself misery. Even doing outrages stuff that to get what he want, such as putting a small band aid on an open wound. And yes, it's the same voice actor who did him in the original, Banjou Ginga.

Now after mentioned what both are about, Which one do you feel more drawn to? The parody of a parody or the parody of the original?

But if you are unsure, let me explain this further.

If I could describe the comedy for DD, imagine that you are in the middle of shooting gallery. You are far away from the machine gun and it is aimed at you. But instead of firing bullets, the ammo are tourn teddy bears. And some teddy bears are burned up right before they even touches you.
The jokes are either delivered too fast or with no substance. Which is sad since some of these jokes sounds better on paper. There’s nothing wrong with the actors per say, it’s more the writing and the direction.

For the comedy of Strawberry, imagine the same scenario, but instead of a machine gun shooting teddy bears, it’s a revolver that shoots small marble.
The jokes feel spot on and have an atmosphere that really make it feel that we are watching an episode of Fist of the North Star. Even if the jokes are simpler than the other, it really knows how and when to strike a joke. I don't know but something with the idea of Souther trying to make Kenshiro his friend by giving him ridicules offers makes me snicker.

What can I say? Strawberry Flavoured is more for fans of the original, while DD 2 is for the fans kids who doesn't know what they are parodying of.

And to be honest, I'm not sure who is using who.
Is it DD 2 that using Strawberry to get more attention, or is it Strawberry who gets more positive feedback from viewers after been put up with DD 2. Either way, this is one of the low points of the Hokuto community.

Okay DD 2 can have some funny jokes and Strawberry might not always make you laugh. But if we would compare what actually came the closet of entertainment, Strawberry with Souther would had won easily, even if DD 2 had Akira Kamiya. I mean, most of the “characters”of DD 2 feels more like machines that spout out puns at every opportunity they could. Strawberry works as it’s carefully is based on established characters and flesh them out to the scenarios picked for their shorts. DD 2 treats the character mostly by name and only that, you hardly get invested in any of the characters after each episode. That would imply that you had the patience to sit through 12 episodes of this shit.

While DD 2 has plenty and fast in-jokes thrown at us, Strawberry takes it time and builds up an atmosphere which all fans are familiar with and even makes the silliest of jokes more natural. Even if it's used for evil.

If you like the first portion, its fine. I won't judging you since it least have one decent episode and that comedy is entirely subjective. But I would recommend you to watch other comedies like Otokojuku or Chromite high school if you want the scenario to take place in a school with manly men.

Or hey, if you want to see Kenshiro in a school, type "urusei yatsura kenshiro" in any search engine.

For a more visual version of this review, check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=jp0nQOtb1bU

In the early 2000, there was a spinoff manga of Devilman called Amon: The Darkside of Devilman that covered the events before Devilman and right after at the last chapters.

This OVA has less to do with the spinoff and more of a retelling of the last chapters of the source material and of the last chapters of Shin Devilman.

From the gecko, this OVA feels different from two previous one. It delves more into the psychological aspect by making Akira mentally inactive throughout the OVA, but keeps the gore and action
by having Amon around.
Maybe it’s because this is based off the meat of the original story, or that it’s trying to be more edgy with its gothic design.

Now there’s nothing wrong with the design for the demon. They are good for Devilman standers, but the problem is Devilman himself. If you see here, beside that the characters looks more pointer than before, Devilman has lost some of his muscles and has a more slim and gothic style going on. This Devilman looks like it belongs in the shadows and fights by sneaking up on its pray, not the ideal model for something that supposedly the hero of demons.

Which is what I think the demon Amon looks like. He looks like a beast and he is voiced by Whamu and Black Jack, which is freaking awesome. With all of the previous characters not helping the OVA, Amon is directly focused for the most part of the OVA.

Now the gore is gruesome. Without showing any death scenes in this review, let just say that no one is safe in this OVA. NO ONE.

The action is also great but nothing spectacular, except for one scene where AMON THROWS AN ENTIRE SUBWAY TRAIN AT SOMEONE! Now if you ever wanted to see Whamu throwing a train at the demon who is voiced by Franky, then this is for you.

To clear things up for the story, this has nothing to do with two previous OVA. It’s made by a different studio than those two with a new cast. It also doesn’t pick up viewers where they left off. With so many important details unexplained like the Devilman Army, the reason for Armageddon and the sudden reveal of Satan, you kind of feel that you have missed one OVA in-between. But I think this OVA serves as finally of the two previous OVA for a different reason than what you might think. The reason is the theme of who Devilman is, with Akira being the first, Devilman the second and Amon the third. The other reason is that it ties together the struggle between the human side and the demon side, which of course resolves with a fight scene between those sides.

But that fight scene itself is confusing. Instead of Akira, the human fighting the demon Amon, you have Devilman fighting Amon. Which doesn’t make sense as Devilman is Akira and Amon combined. So basically Amon is punching a part himself during this fight.
That would be like if Venom Spiderman fought Venom.

But I digress.

With it’s problem of context and the lack of interesting characters, this might not be as good or obligatory as the other two OVA, but you can still watch it for Amon or to wrap up the unofficial OVA trilogy.

For a more visual version of this review, check out this Youtube video: /watch?v=xqdyArxF4Xg

If the first ova has most about exposition and few action scenes, then this one is the opposite with plenty of action scenes and few exposition. Kind of.

Instead of explaining what the demons are, we see them now in action. The OVA in 1990 is made by the same company and has most of the cast from the previous OVA.

This OVA now follows Akira Fudo who has now become Devilman, a demon who fights demons hidden in society for sake of justice and humanity. As he gets more used
to his power, an old lover to the once demon Amon appears in order to kill Devilman for his betrayal. Here we not only see Devilman more, but we have here is something that resemble more the source material.

With this OVA being gory as ever, Demon Bird has more fights which is accompanied with a good soundtrack. Even if the fights are switched in order compare to the counterpart, these fights feel more existing and involved to the characters. The first fight puts our character into a dilemma which will have consequences.

Speaking of characters, this time around we see how Akira has changed from the previous OVA. He gone from being a supporter to a more dominant alpha male, but it still shows that his kind hearted. Ryo is the same but is more vulnerable and calmer than the previous ova, for obvious reasons.
The villain in this is the Demon Bird herself, Sirene, a former lover to Amon. And boy is she one cranky bird. For me, she’s okay and serves as a good opponent.

The OVA is more action oriented, which loses the horror aspect from the previous one. It also doesn’t explain much why or where the demons comes from or how Akira can transform to Devilman. But if you watched this right after the previous one, this will just pick up where it left off. I would recommend anyone to watch this and the previous OVA in one sitting for the best experience.

I also don’t think you need reason or explanation for why when it’s about DEMONS WITH BLOODLUST. It’s all for sake for good old violence.
Without a doubt, these two OVAs are my guilty pleasure. Even if these aren’t that special, these two have a good enough charm for me re-watch them. But these two OVA makes it feels that this is incomplete. But I think the next one will help out,